Backstory is an independent bookshop proudly based in South London
Founded by ex-Economist journalist Tom Rowley, Backstory is on a mission to bring readers closer to the world’s most interesting writers. We offer a curated selection of the best new fiction and children’s books alongside our particular expertise in non-fiction. Through events, newsletters and conversations with our brilliant team and community of readers, we share the stories behind the stories, the backstory.
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Book of the Month
Pick a Colour by Souvankham Thammavongsa
Written in a simple style that gets its hooks into you (or, shall we say, its nails under your skin?), Pick a Colour follows a day in the life of Ning, a nail salon owner who used to be a boxer. It's sharply observant and witty as Ning and her fellow nail salon workers navigate their day, serving customers and gossiping. It's deeply reflective on life, happiness, and the way we present ourselves to the world.
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